Jaipur 1932-1947 Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, born on August 21, 1912, in the small princely state of Isarda, became the Maharaja of Jaipur at the tender age of 10 in 1922, following the adoption by his predecessor. Educated at Mayo College in Ajmer, he developed a keen interest in sports, particularly polo, and governance. Despite his young age, Man Singh II proved to be a capable and forward-thinking ruler. He worked tirelessly to modernize Jaipur, investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His efforts to bring Jaipur into the modern era included the construction of new roads, schools, and hospitals, which greatly improved the quality of life for his subjects.

An avid polo player, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II gained international fame for his prowess on the field. He was a member of the Indian polo team that won the World Cup in 1933, bringing glory to his state and the nation. His passion for the sport led to the establishment of Jaipur as a major centre for polo, and he played a significant role in popularizing the game in India. Beyond sports, he was also a patron of the arts and culture, supporting the preservation of Jaipur’s rich heritage and promoting the city’s development as a cultural hub.

After India’s independence in 1947, Man Singh II demonstrated his political acumen by facilitating Jaipur’s smooth integration into the Indian Union. He served as the Rajpramukh (Governor) of Rajasthan from 1949 to 1956, overseeing the unification of the princely states into a single administrative entity. His tenure as Rajpramukh was marked by his commitment to ensuring stability and development in the newly formed state of Rajasthan. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II passed away on June 24, 1970, leaving behind a legacy of progress, sportsmanship, and cultural enrichment that continues to be celebrated in Jaipur and beyond.